[ecr] During the talks with Tunisian Minister of the Interior, Khaled Nouri, both sides praised the "level of bilateral cooperation in the Interior sector of both countries, as well as the remarkable pace of activities carried out over the past year, particularly in areas related to security coordination and the fight against transnational crime."

The two sides also commended "the effectiveness of bilateral action in the development of border areas," reiterating "their determination to continue their joint action, in line with the political will of the two presidents of the brotherly countries," the source added. 

On this occasion, Merad also met with the Portuguese Minister of the Interior, Margarida Blasco, who attended the CMAI works as a guest of the 42nd session.

During the meeting, the two officials discussed "the prospects of strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two sectors, particularly in security areas related to the fight against transnational crime and illegal immigration."

The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss "the ways aimed at strengthening the bilateral agreement between the Civil Protection of both countries concerning operational cooperation." [/ecr]